Differential device

A differential device for outputting torque about an axis, comprising:

• a casing including a first wall at a first end in respect of the axis and extending radially, a second wall at a second end in respect of the axis and extending radially, and a peripheral wall connecting the first wall and the second wall, the peripheral wall along with the first wall and the second wall defining a chamber;
• a differential gear set housed in the chamber and including a first side gear facing to the first wall, a second side gear facing the second wall, pinion shafts respectively extending radially, and pinion gears respectively rotatably supported by the pinion shafts and in mesh with the first side gear and the second side gear, the differential gear set differentially distributing the torque received by the pinion shafts to the first side gear and the second side gear;
• a cam mechanism disposed outside the casing, contiguous to the second wall and coaxial with the axis, the cam mechanism being configured to convert a rotational force about the axis into a thrust force in a direction of the axis;
• a transmission member including plungers elongated in parallel with the axis from the second wall toward the first wall capable of transmitting the thrust force from the cam mechanism;
• and
• a multi-plate clutch including outer plates engaging with the casing, inner plates engaging with the first side gear and alternately layered with the outer plates, and a pressure member in face contact with both the plates and the plungers to convert the thrust force into a frictional force on the plates to brake the first side gear against the casing,
• wherein the first side gear includes a stem part directly engaging with the inner plates and a toothed part in mesh with the pinion gears, and the pressure member adjoins and surrounds on an outer rim of the toothed part.